Coal-derived carbon nanotubes by thermal plasma jet

A coal/arc-jet technique by directly and successively injecting coal fine particles into the arc plasma jet instead of arcing graphite or coal-based electrodes for producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from coal was developed. The derived carbon products by this technique were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum. The experimental results clearly indicated that the certain metal catalyst favored the growth of CNTs in the process, and the relevant growth mechanism was discussed in terms of the characterizations. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.